Cycloferon

Cycloferon is an antiviral drug with immunomodulatory activity. The drug high-molecular induces the formation of internal interferon.

Powerful activation of immune activity leads to the development of antichlamydial and antimicrobial effects. The drug has an anticarcinogenic and antimetastatic effect, which helps prevent the development of tumors. In addition, the drug prevents the occurrence of autoimmune reactions, due to which people with systemic diseases affecting connective tissues and diseases of a rheumatic nature experience reduced pain and reduced inflammation. [ 1 ]

Indications Cycloferon

The tablets are used in combination therapy for the following disorders (adults):

• herpes type infections;
• neuroinfections;
• active forms of infections in the intestinal area;
• ARI, as well as flu;
• symptoms of secondary immunodeficiency under the influence of bacterial and mycotic infections;
• chronic stages of hepatitis C and B (viral form);
• HIV in phase 2A-3B.

For combination treatment in children (only with the prescription of a medical specialist) it is used for the following diseases:

• active and chronic stages of hepatitis C and B viruses;
• herpes infections;
• HIV phase 2A-3B;
• active stages of intestinal infections;
• flu with acute respiratory infections (for prevention and therapy).

Intramuscular injections for combination treatment are prescribed for the following disorders (adults):

• neuroinfections;
• hepatitis viruses types C and B, as well as D and A;
• HIV in clinical phase 2A-3B;
• rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus;
• herpes and cytomegalovirus infections;
• signs of secondary immunodeficiency caused by bacterial and mycotic influences;
• having degenerative-dystrophic form of joint damage;
• Chlamydial infections.

For children over 4 years of age, the medication is used in combination with other therapeutic substances for viral hepatitis, herpes and HIV.

Local application of the drug is carried out for balanoposthitis or urethritis, as well as herpes, non-specific vaginosis and bacterial vaginitis.

Release form

The medicine is released in tablets, 10 pieces in a cell pack or 50 pieces in a polymer glass jar.

Also available as a liquid for intramuscular injections, in 2 ml ampoules. There are 5 such ampoules in the box.

It can be produced in the form of a 5% gel – inside 5 ml tubes.

Pharmacodynamics

Inside the body, the drug demonstrates a wide range of bioactivity – it has antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, immunomodulatory and antiviral effects.

Cycloferon increases the production of interferons within the body. Their greatest quantity is observed within tissues and organs with lymphoid components (liver, lungs, intestinal mucosa and spleen). The effect of the drug leads to the activation of bone marrow stem cells and the processes of granulocyte production. In people with immunodeficiencies of various nature, the drug helps to correct immune activity. The drug can overcome the BBB. [ 2 ]

When the gel is used locally, immune activity is enhanced and anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects develop.

Pharmacokinetics

When taking the highest permissible dose of the drug orally, the plasma Cmax of the active ingredient is observed after 2-3 hours.

The decrease in this indicator occurs gradually, by the 8th hour after administration. Traces of the drug are registered inside the body after 24 hours.

The half-life is 4-5 hours. When using the drug in recommended doses, the active ingredient does not accumulate.

Dosing and administration

Schemes for using the drug tablets.

The medicine should be taken 1 tablet per day, before eating (0.5 hours). The tablet is not chewed, but swallowed whole, washed down with plain water.

In case of viral hepatitis of types C or B, as well as herpes, the medication is taken daily, 2-4 tablets. The standard scheme of use is as follows: 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 11th, 14th, 17th, 20th, and 23rd days.

In case of hepatitis, after the main course, maintenance treatment is performed, which lasts 3.5 months. During this period, it is necessary to take 1 tablet per day with 3-5-day intervals. If necessary, a repeat course may be prescribed.

For acute respiratory infections or flu, take 2-4 tablets once a day; the entire cycle consists of 10-20 tablets. Therapy begins immediately after the first signs of illness appear. Along with Cycloferon, the patient should take expectorants, antipyretics and analgesics.

Standard treatment regimen for intestinal infection: 2 tablets on the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 11th, 14th, 17th, 20th, and 23rd days. The same regimen is used for neuroinfections, but the patient needs to take 4 tablets on certain days. The patient is then transferred to maintenance therapy, taking 4 tablets of the drug at 5-day intervals. The entire therapy can last 2.5 months.

In the case of HIV, the same scheme is used. After its completion, after several weeks, a repeat cycle is carried out in the same mode.

Serving sizes for a child: 4-6 years old – 1 tablet once a day; 7-11 years old – 2 tablets; over 12 years old – 3 tablets. If a second course is needed, it is prescribed only after 2-3 weeks from the end of the first cycle. Taking into account the underlying pathology, the doctor selects a standard regimen for the use of the drug.

Use of medication by injection.

The therapy is carried out taking into account the underlying pathology, but the medication must be administered according to the standard scheme: on the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 11th, 14th, 17th, 20th, 23rd, 26th and 29th days. The ampoules must be opened immediately before the injection procedure (i/m or i/v), which is performed once per day.

Given the disease, the basic treatment cycle consists of 10-12 injections. It is necessary to combine the medication with antibacterial substances. If necessary, the doctor can prescribe several cycles using the drug in ampoules.

The injection dosage for a child is selected taking into account his weight – 6-10 mg/kg per day.

Methods of using the medicine in gel form.

It is necessary to treat the affected area of skin directly with a thin layer of gel. Such a procedure is performed during a period of 5 days, daily, 1 time per day.

For genital herpes, intraurethral or intravaginal instillations of 1 bottle of the drug are performed, 1 time per day, for a period of 10-15 days.

For non-specific and candidal forms of urethritis, 1-2 bottles of the medication are introduced into the urethra.

In people with specific types of urethritis, Cycloferon is used additionally, in combination with other drugs.

For bacterial vaginosis and non-specific or candidal colpitis, the gel is used both in monotherapy and in combination with other medications.

Sometimes it is allowed to soak cotton swabs with gel, which are then used as suppositories.

• Application for children

The drug in tablets and injections is not used in children under 4 years of age.

Use Cycloferon during pregnancy

It is prohibited to prescribe Cycloferon during breastfeeding and pregnancy.

Contraindications

Main contraindications:

• decompensation phase of liver cirrhosis;
• severe intolerance to the components of the medication.

It is used with restrictions in case of exacerbation of pathologies in the digestive system. It is prescribed with caution to people with a history of allergic manifestations.

Side effects Cycloferon

The medication may cause allergic symptoms. Side effects usually occur only occasionally. If they develop, you should immediately consult a healthcare professional.

Interactions with other drugs

The use of the drug potentiates the therapeutic effect of nucleoside analogues and interferons.

The medication reduces the severity of side effects during chemotherapy and interferon therapy.

Storage conditions

Cycloferon should be stored in a place protected from sunlight and moisture; temperature indicators are no more than 20 °C. Short-term freezing of the injection liquid is allowed if necessary. In this case, it is necessary to defrost the medicinal ampoules gradually, only at room temperature. If sediment appears inside the ampoule or the color of the solution changes, it is prohibited to use it.

Shelf life

Cycloferon in the form of gel and tablets can be used within a 2-year period from the date of production of the drug. The shelf life of the solution is 36 months.

Analogues

Analogues of the drug are Anaferon, Timogen, Immunin with Galavit, and in addition to this, Oscillococcinum and Amiksin. Also on the list are Inflamafertin and Protfenolozid.

Reviews

Cycloferon receives mostly varied reviews. Regarding the tablets, they mainly write that the medicine does not cause the development of negative symptoms. In case of correct use in accordance with the recommendations, after the treatment cycle, a noticeable improvement is observed in many pathologies.

Doctors generally evaluate injections of the drug positively, although it is indicated that they should be used only in cases where there are appropriate indications. Injections cannot be prescribed to children under 4 years of age. In addition, it is forbidden to drink alcoholic beverages during the therapy, since this sharply reduces the effectiveness of the drug.

Reviews of the gel note that it is very effective in treating herpes and urogenital infections. However, the noticeable effect of the medicine develops only with its constant use.